Information about digital technology purchased with NDIS funds
Digital technology includes items such as new and refurbished computers (desktop PCs and laptops), tablets and duress pendants.
Low cost Assistive Technology (AT) items can be purchased using the consumables support category in the Core budget of your NDIS plan.
TADWA can procure digital low cost AT on behalf of NDIS participants who are agency managed as well as for those who are plan or self managing.
NDIS has specific requirements about how digital technology may be purchased using funds in an NDIS plan. Due to COVID-19 restrictions in many areas, purchase of technology enabling support continuity is flexible.
Participants are able to spend up to $1500 on low cost AT items from their existing budgets. Participants should not spend more than $750 on electronic devices needed to maintain existing services.
Participants can use their existing NDIS funding to purchase an item if all of the following conditions are met:
- it will maintain or improve delivery of funded NDIS supports like a program, therapy or requirement (for example physiotherapy or Auslan interpreting provided via video conferencing)
- the provider of supports has confirmed in writing the device is necessary to continue supports and services while maintaining physical distancing and other health requirements as advised by government
- it is the lowest specification that will maintain funded supports
- they do not already have the item, another suitable item or access to the item
- the item has not been funded by another organisation
- the item or circumstances are not specifically excluded.
Participants are advised that if a standard tablet computer or iPad is required to participate in online video classes, these should generally cost no more than $600.
There are items that are specifically excluded. These are:
- items that do not relate to the participant’s disability
- items with extra specifications above the basic model
- smart phones, tablets or iPads with mobile-only 3G, 4G or 5G connections (though you can upgrade from a wifi only device to one of these devices using your own money)
- the purchase of multiple devices for the same participant
- internet connection and data, these are considered ordinary living costs (utilities)
- applications (apps) or software. (Apps which have been specified and approved in a plan can be paid for with NDIS funding)
- additional hardware or accessories, other than standard protective cases
- additional hardware and accessories may be purchased if they relate to using the device because of the participant’s disability, such as wheelchair mounting for a person with limited grip.
For new digital technology equipment, we request that you provide us:
- A completed TADWA referral form
- A weblink to the make and model of the IT equipment which is requested. (No more than $750 for a laptop/desktop and no more than $600 for a tablet (must be a basic model and cellular only)
A letter of support is required from your provider (this could be your OT or your regular ongoing service provider) and should include:
- the participant’s name and NDIS number;
- confirmation that delivery of current supports in the participant’s plan have been, or would be significantly hindered due to physical distancing restrictions (or other consequences of COVID-19 and that alternative solutions to maintain delivery/outcome have been considered, but do not fully address the limitations;
- how the device is necessary to maintain supports and services while maintaining physical distancing requirements;
- the specific technologies and associated accessories required, and that these represent the lowest specification capable of delivering the benefit; and
- that the participant is able to use the device/s to access the support.
For refurbished IT equipment, we do request that you provide us:
- A completed TADWA referral form
- Choose a laptop/desktop from our price list and let us know the screen size required
- Let us know if the item will be picked up from our Bassendean office or you would like TADWA to organise a courier to deliver the item to you for a small fee.
- Your letter of support (see above for content of support letter)
Our refurbished laptops and desktops also include a 12 month support agreement for NDIS participants to access the IT helpdesk. The helpdesk operates Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm and a Fair Use Policy applies.
